“I’m a published author.”

If you can utter these four words, then you are in a class few people will ever gain access to. Your work, something you created, is in a format or on a platform that other people can see or buy.

For that accomplishment, I am proud of you!

Now, how shall you capitalize on this?

It goes beyond formatting and typos that pass the eyes of editors. It goes beyond the genre with which you have found your niche. Being an independent author (even a published author with a traditional publishing company), means there has to be a presence behind the pen or screen.

You are now a brand!

What does your professional writer self glory in? What else are you working on? What motivates you? What’s your writing schedule like? These are the little things that intrigue and inspire fans! Not just fans, but readership. Use the soft light that Michelle Obama talks about. Since people are, will be, looking you way, what do you want them to see? What do you want them to notice?

One of the components of my professional self is accessibility. I love interacting with my readers! I like sharing valuable information that will help on their writing journeys. I love being that reference point to the writers coming after me–or even working along side me in their own lanes.

Building a brand takes time. The great thing is, you have it.